Learning to Forgive
Forgiveness is great in theory, and it’s a wonderful blessing to receive. But granting forgiveness can be another story. As C.S. Lewis said, “Everybody says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.” Likewise, forgiveness doesn’t simply happen over time, as forgetting often does. Instead, it’s “an act of volition,” said Simon Wiesenthal, “and only the sufferer is qualified to make the decision.”
Because forgiveness has many spiritual, emotional and even physical benefits, the secular world is taking notice. Colleges now offer classes about forgiveness skills and strategies. “You practically never hear sermons on forgiveness that are practical and give clear instructions on how to approach it,” Professor Robert Enright tells the Washington Post.
Graduate student Shyanne Sporrer says a forgiveness class helped her realize the danger of holding grudges. “Forgiving does not mean you are giving up power,” she says. “On the contrary, when you forgive, you are the person who is in control. By forgiving, you can empower yourself to move forward from the anger and resentment to be a better version of yourself.”
